When it comes to creating and managing labels and artwork, businesses are constantly seeking ways to streamline operations, enhance collaboration, and accelerate time-to-market. One technology that has revolutionized the way companies operate is cloud-based software.
Here at Kallik, our label and artwork management software, Veraciti, has been on the cloud for 20 years. So when it comes to the cloud, we’ve got the experience and the expertise.
By leveraging cloud technology, businesses can break down geographical barriers, foster seamless collaboration among both internal and external teams all over the world, and achieve rapid speed-to-market like never before.
But what about the basics? How does the cloud work? How do cloud services work? What does ‘cloud-based software’ mean? Is the cloud secure? In this guide, we'll explore what it means for software to be cloud-based, and how businesses can harness its power to maximize efficiency and drive success.
Understanding the Basics About Cloud-Based Software
Cloud-based software, simply put, refers to applications and services that are hosted and accessed via the internet. Unlike traditional software that requires installation on individual computers or servers, cloud-based software operates on remote servers maintained by the provider. Users can access these applications through a web browser or dedicated client software, eliminating the need for costly hardware investments and complex setup procedures.
Three of the key benefits of using cloud-based software are:
Scalability: It’s easy to adjust usage levels and scale resources up or down based on demand, providing unparalleled flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
Automatic updates and maintenance: Users always have access to the latest features and enhancements without the hassle and time spent on manual updates.
Future proof: It's not based around an operating system like Windows 10 for example whereby if the operating system is upgraded or retired then the software needs replacing. This is not the case with cloud based software, it only needs a simple browser to access it.
So How Does This Help With Global Collaboration Across Businesses?
While globalization undoubtedly presents exciting growth opportunities for businesses, it also introduces challenges in terms of collaboration and communication. This is where cloud-based software really shines.
1. Real-Time Collaboration: Cloud-based software enables real-time collaboration among geographically dispersed teams. Whether team members are split up across the world or are even external agencies, they can all collaborate on projects simultaneously, share documents, and communicate effortlessly. This promotes faster decision-making and ensures that everyone is on the same page, regardless of their location or whether they’re a part of the company or an external team.
2. Centralized Data Storage: With cloud software, data is stored centrally on secure servers, accessible to authorized users from anywhere with an internet connection. This eliminates the need for cumbersome file-sharing methods such as email attachments or USB drives, reducing the risk of version control issues and ensuring that everyone has access to the most up-to-date information. This becomes very important when the use includes large files commonly found in consumer artwork for example.
3. Enhanced Communication: Cloud-based software often includes built-in communication tools such as annotation and markup tools to enable teams across the world to still collaborate and share thoughts on projects. By encouraging open communication and collaboration, cloud software helps break down silos and promotes a culture of teamwork and innovation.
Top Tips for Maximizing Efficiency and Achieving Rapid Speed-to-Market with Cloud-Software
Now that we've explored the benefits of cloud-based software for global collaboration, let's discuss some top tips for making the most of this powerful technology to drive efficiency and accelerate time-to-market:
1. Choose the Right Software: Not all cloud-based software solutions are created equal. Some software solutions have been designed specifically for use within the cloud while others may have been compromised slightly if they were once on premise and rejigged for the cloud. It's essential to choose a platform that aligns with your business goals and requirements. Consider factors such as scalability, security, ease of use, and integration capabilities when evaluating potential options.
2. Invest in Training: To fully leverage the capabilities of cloud software, invest in comprehensive training for your team members. Provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the platform effectively, collaborate efficiently, and take advantage of advanced features and functionalities.
3. Establish Clear Processes and Workflows: Define clear processes and workflows for using cloud software within your organization. Establish guidelines for document sharing, project management, and communication to ensure consistency and minimize confusion. Encourage team members to adhere to these processes to streamline operations and drive efficiency.
4. Embrace Automation: Many cloud-based software solutions offer automation capabilities that can help streamline repetitive tasks and eliminate manual work. Identify areas where automation can add value to your workflows, such as document approval processes, task assignments, or data analysis, and leverage these features to boost productivity and efficiency.
5. Promote Collaboration Culture: Foster a culture of collaboration within your organization by promoting open communication, teamwork, and knowledge sharing. Encourage team members to collaborate across departments and geographic locations, leveraging cloud software to facilitate seamless collaboration and drive innovation.
6. Monitor Performance and Gather Feedback: Continuously monitor the performance of your cloud software implementation and gather feedback from users to identify areas for improvement. Pay attention to metrics such as user adoption rates, system uptime, and customer satisfaction to ensure that your cloud software is delivering the desired results.
What Kallik Does Differently:
At Kallik, we understand the unique challenges that large enterprises face in labeling and artwork management. That's where we come in, our cutting-edge cloud-based software as a service, Veraciti, which has been helping some of the world’s biggest organizations to manage their labeling and artwork process for decades.
Kallik's software has earned its reputation as an industry leader, being recognized by Gartner as a top label and artwork management software vendor. Designed from the outset for the cloud and engineered to simplify processes, enhance collaboration and ensure compliance, it is ideal for use in highly regulated industries, providing ultimate data security for enterprises managing extensive product ranges. Hosted on the leading cloud provider, AWS (Amazon Web Services), our software comes with added peace of mind that you’re getting world-class service.
The Cloud’s Benefits in Action:
At Veraciti, we pride ourselves on our ability to navigate the complexities of enterprise-level operations, as demonstrated by our successful collaboration with a Danish company that develops, produces and markets medical devices. Initially tasked with consolidating 20 companies into 19, our team seamlessly managed this integration process with precision and efficiency. Despite encountering the unexpected addition of three more companies midway through the project, our cloud-based platform, Veraciti, proved to be instrumental in maintaining the project timeline.
The flexibility and scalability afforded by our cloud-based infrastructure enabled us to accommodate these changes without compromising on the project's pace or quality. Our experience in dealing with complex enterprises equipped us with the expertise needed to adapt swiftly to evolving circumstances while ensuring seamless collaboration across teams and stakeholders. This experience underscores the invaluable role that cloud-based solutions like Veraciti play in streamlining operations for enterprises facing intricate challenges in mergers, acquisitions, and consolidations.
How We Helped Diversey Get Over 500 Users Up and Running Across 50 Countries:
Having built up a successful pan-European business supplying cleaning products to the consumer and manufacturing sector, Diversey’s next step was to consolidate its multiple in-country specific manufacturing processes.
Moving to a single global operation presented the challenge of how to manage tens of thousands of artwork changes without risking non-compliance through introducing uncontrolled variations. “Each local Diversey national operating unit had the same item and in many cases, the information and formulation were the same,” points out the company’s Information and Process Development Lead in its UK office at Alfreton, Neil Harvey.
“Kallik was the catalyst for us to centralize production, logistics and SKU management. Without Veraciti, this would not have been possible,” says Harvey. “Veraciti’s powerful Phrase Library, Asset Manager and Workflows have also allowed us to double the number of artworks we manage across Eastern Europe using the same number of people. Being cloud-based, the Kallik solution also means we no longer have the hassle of global databases not synchronizing.”
With one solution used across over 50 countries and 500-plus users, Veraciti has significantly simplified traceability and compliance for Diversey.
In conclusion, cloud-based software offers a powerful platform for global collaboration, efficiency, and rapid speed-to-market. By leveraging the capabilities of cloud technology, businesses can break down geographical barriers, foster seamless collaboration among global teams, and achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency and innovation. By following the top tips outlined in this guide, organizations can maximize the benefits of cloud software and drive success in today's competitive business landscape.
